Q1

Please provide some basic information about  yourself.

Name Robert "Robin" Wilson Jr.

Office Sought WV Senate - District 3

City/Town Spencer

Email Address wilson4wvsenate3@gmail.com

Q2

From 1980 to 2016 the West Virginia state prison population has increased by 470%.  What, if anything, would you change to reverse this trend?

1. No mandatory sentencing. 2. More progressive taxes and a wealth tax to reduce poverty. 3. Stand up to politicians who vilify the most vulnerable in our society.

Q3

Civil asset forfeiture is a process where police can seize any property "related" to criminal activity and later can file a civil case to forfeit the property to either be used or auctioned for money which is shared between the police department and local prosecutor.  This can happen regardless of whether there is a criminal conviction or even criminal charges brought against a person.Proponents say this is a useful tool for taking ill-gotten gains from criminals and funding police work, and that legal protections adequately prevent abuse of the system.Critics say the system amounts to theft, that many people cannot afford the legal costs to challenge a forfeiture action, and that it creates a perverse incentive for police.Do you support or oppose the practice of civil asset forfeiture?  What, if any, reforms would you make to the practice?

I oppose civil asset forfeiture.

Q4

More than half the population of West Virginia's regional jails are pre-trial.  That means they haven't been found guilty of any crime yet.  Most are there because they could not afford bail, though some are there because they were denied a chance to post bail.  What changes, if any would you make to our pretrial and/or bail system to balance concerns about safety and court efficiency with ensuring we are not incarcerating people without due process?

1. I think bail should be abolished as it obviously favors the rich. 2. Use home confinement for those awaiting trial.

Q5

In 2015 West Virginia passed significant reforms to the juvenile justice system.  Despite these reforms, the State still utilizes out of home placement at a high rate for system-involved youth.  What, if anything, should West Virginia do to reduce out-of-home placements for system-involved juveniles?

1. CPS workers should be expanded so they aren't overworked. 2. Train family court and juvenile probation workers to work for in home placement. 3. Make supportive systems for families with "system-involved juveniles.

Q6

West Virginia has a very low voter participation rate.  What changes, if any, would you make to increase voter participation?

1. I'm an active member of West Virginia Can't Wait movement which empowers citizens by getting them to write platform positions, run for office, and avoid corporate PAC money. Bernie Sanders proved as mayor of Burlington, VT that a progressive agenda encourages voter participation. 2. Instant voter run off, equal media time for candidates, abolish the electoral college and public financed elections.

Q7

Over the past few years, there has been legislation aimed at requiring the Bible to be taught in public schools, allowing a Bible-based elective, or faith-based drug prevention electives.  What is your stance on incorporating religion into the public schools?

I think the separation of church and state is very important. As someone with minority views on many subjects including religion I feel sensitive to the state schools promoting a religions point of view. I do think discussion of religion and value systems is important in schools. I was a teacher for students kicked out of the public schools in Kanawha County and we had great discussions.

Q8

At least 20 states have passed laws prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.  13 West Virginia municipalities have similar protections.  Do you support or oppose a statewide law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in West Virginia?  Why?

I'm hoping the recent supreme court decision settles this issue for us. In the past my opponent Senator Donna Boley has opposed such laws.

Q9

In December 2019, Governor Justice announced that West Virginia would continue accepting refugees.  Do you support or oppose accepting refugees in West Virginia?  Under what conditions?  Why?

I support accepting refugees. With covid 19 there might need to be testing before accepting refugees.

Q10

Over the past few years, some states have continued to erode protections and access to abortion care.  Other states have done the opposite and codified abortion rights that had previously been defined by courts.  Do you favor further restrictions to abortion, expanding or codifying abortion rights, or taking no action on abortion?

I think abortion rights should be expanded. I remember the pre Row v Wade days. Women still had abortions but they were very risky because often they were preformed in situations not conducive to safety and good health.